You can have fun in the Smokies without having to spend a ton of money! Gatlinburg is full of incredible attractions, but they can be pretty pricey. We want to share some of the free things to do in Gatlinburg with you! Your family will enjoy these activities, and you’ll love saving money! Here are the top 6 free things to do in Gatlinburg to save money:
1. Sample Wines at Tennessee Homemade Wines
One of the places you can sample wine for free in Gatlinburg is Tennessee Homemade Wines, as long as you’re 21 years old. Their wine collection features a variety of red, white, and blush blends, as well as dessert wines and unique flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter and jelly, and blueberry muffin. Choose from Concord, Niagra, and Muscadine wines, sparkling wines, and so much more!
2. Taste Hard Cider at Tennessee Cider Company
Don’t like wine? Don’t worry; you can always taste hard cider at Tennessee Cider Company! They offer free samples all day, and you get to choose 3 of their cider flavors from the ones available on tap. With delicious options like blackberry, citrus mash, pineapple, strawberry, and peach mimosa, you just might find your new favorite flavor!
3. Visit the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
A really cool place you’ll want to explore is the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community You can drive the 8-mile loop yourself or take the free Gatlinburg trolley! The shops along the loop are filled with artists and craftsmen from the community. They make all kinds of incredible things, from paintings to sculptures. At many of these businesses, you can watch the owners make their products. The only thing you’ll have to pay for is one of the items if you fall in love with it!
4. Drive the Cades Cove Scenic Loop
The Cades Cove Scenic Loop is one of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, and it’s completely free! The 11-mile loop road winds through a beautiful valley with incredible mountain views and offers great opportunities to see black bears and other wildlife, as well as historic churches, cabins, barns, and a working gristmill.
5. Explore Gatlinburg City Parks
If you have small children, a great free thing to do in Gatlinburg is visit one of the community parks! Mynatt Park sits next to a creek and has several picnic areas, a walking track, and a playground. Mills Park is another free park your family will love. Near the Gatlinburg Community Center, this Gatlinburg park has an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic tables, and restrooms.
6. See Sugarlands Visitor Center
Another free thing to do in Gatlinburg is visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center, located just outside of Gatlinburg past the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a small museum in the visitor center with stuffed animals, a short film about the park, and other interesting artifacts, brochures, and information. You can learn more about the Smokies and its history, and get insight into hiking trails and historic sites to explore. If you have some extra time and want to explore some family-friendly hiking trails, a couple of easy hikes near Sugarlands Visitor Center include Cataract Falls, the Fighting Creek Nature Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail. Just remember that if you park for longer than 15 minutes, you'll need to purchase a parking pass; they're only $5 for a day!
These free things to do in Gatlinburg are just some of the great activities your family will love. Want to know what else you should do when you stay in one of our cabins? Check out these things to do in Pigeon Forge for some ideas!
